Totem pole carving: bringing a log to life

Arts & Activities, May, 2005 by Jerome J. Hausman

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TOTEM POLE CARVING: Bringing a Log to Life (2003; $22.95), by Vickie Jensen. University of Washington Press, P.O. Box 50096, Seattle, WA 98145.

Examination of records of early European explorers of the Northwest coast of America suggests that totem poles were in evidence over 200 years ago. Of course, there is other evidence of carved totems in other cultures and places.

This is a book that documents the work of Nisga artist Norman Tait and his team of young carvers as they "bring a log to life." Following the selection of a raw cedar log, the book traces the creation of a 2-foot totem pole. As is described in the text: "Norman Tait teaches his apprentices that carving a pole requires more than time and labor, more than artistic and emotional commitment, more than a group of tools and techniques. The process involves their cultural background and very being."

Through 125 photographs and an accompanying text, the book describes cutting and rounding the log, drawing the design, rough-cutting the figure, carving the add-on pieces, rounding figures and carving faces, and the finishing stage. Students can become inspired by the detail of the craft involved. Indeed, this is the kind of narrative that might move many to carve their own torero poles.--J.J.H. For information about this publication, circle No. 384 on the Reader Service Card.